May 7, 2017

In a lopsided bout, Canelo Alvarez (49-1-1, 34 KOs) perhaps ended Julio Cesar Chavez Junior's (50-3-1, 32 KOs) career as a fighter of relevance when he dominated all twelve rounds of their fight Saturday night in Las Vegas with a magnificent boxing display. He then immediately made the fight -- and Chavez Jr. for that matter -- an afterthought, announcing that Gennady Golovkin (37-0, 33 KOs) would be his next opponent on September 16.

But back to the fight.

Canelo beat Chavez, Jr. from pillar to post, earning a unanimous decision with all three judges scoring the fight 120-108. Canelo was busier, more accurate, and faster to the punch.

"Tonight, I showed I could move, I could box, I showed as a fighter I can do all things," Canelo said. "I thought I was going to showcase myself as a fighter that could throw punches, but he just wouldn't do it. I've shown I can do lots of things in the ring, anything a fighter brings-I've shown I can showcase myself. I wanted to try something new, I never sit down in sparring and I didn't want to sit here."

Chavez Jr. actually made weight, appeared to be in shape, and seemed motivated to win over the hearts of his countrymen, but those preliminary indications of a competitive bout proved to be false, as he produced another lackluster performance that finally just might alienate his fans for good.

Chavez Jr. held a distinct size advantage, but failed to pressure Canelo. Instead, he adopted a failed strategy of trying to box Canelo from the outside.

"Canelo beat me, he beat me at the distance," Chavez, Jr. said. "He is a very active fighter-he's very good and he beat me. I wanted to box but he went to the ropes and I just needed to throw more punches. I would've attacked more I would've been countered by his punches. Nacho told me to do that but the strategy didn't work. The speed and the distance was the key. I didn't feel that much power because I felt dwindled, I couldn't throw as many punches as I wanted."

Canelo then set the tone for his fight with Triple G.

"GGG-you are next, my friend," said Canelo. "The fight is done. I've never feared anyone, since I was 16, fighting as a professional. When I was born, fear was gone. I never got my share of fear. I'm very happy, and the rivalry is going to show my skills even more. I've had difficult fights, and that will no doubt be a tough fight. But, I always say, Canelo Alvarez is the best because I fight the best."

Golovkin, seated at ringside, shared his thoughts as well.

"I feel very excited; in September, it will be a different style-a big drama show," said Golovkin. "I'm ready. Tonight, first congrats to Canelo and his team. Right now, I think everyone is excited for September. Canelo looked very good tonight, and 100 percent he is the biggest challenge of my career. Good luck to Canelo in September."